South and southeast asia

Definition

A vast region encompassing the Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal) and Southeast Asian nations (Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, etc.). The area has been shaped by Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, and colonial influences, and is home to some of the world's most populous and economically dynamic countries.

Examples

  • India gained independence from Britain in 1947 through both nonviolent resistance and political negotiation
  • Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-majority nation by population
  • The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) promotes regional economic cooperation
Key Fact

South and Southeast Asia together contain over 2.5 billion people, roughly one-third of the world's population.

Related Terms

Mughal empire Decolonization Indian ocean trade Cultural diffusion

Study This Concept

Practice South and Southeast Asia with free review games in these units:

AP World History: Modern Unit 1: The Global Tapestry World Geography Unit 6: Asia